Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Cuba Rejects U.S. Talks as Blockade Damage Reaches $8.1 Billion
Cuba says it is not holding talks with the United States right now.
Cuba’s foreign minister said there are also no plans for future negotiations.
He called the U.S. restrictions a “genocidal” blockade.
Cuba says the restrictions caused $8.1 billion in damage during 2025.
He also said a U.S. oil blockade has hurt energy production.
This has contributed to blackouts that can last for days.
Cuba says people are suffering from less electricity, spoiled food and difficult living conditions.
The United States says its sanctions are meant to pressure Cuba’s government to change.
United Nations experts have warned that the sanctions may violate international law and increase health risks.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Havana has no negotiations or future agendas planned with the United States.
Rodriguez said U.S. trade restrictions caused Cuba $8.1 billion in damages in 2025, a 7% increase from the previous year.
He said a U.S. oil blockade had sharply reduced output and contributed to nationwide blackouts lasting for days.
Cuba says the restrictions harm ordinary residents through electricity shortages, spoiled food, heat and difficult study conditions for children.
The United States says sanctions are necessary to pressure Cuba’s government, while United Nations experts have called the measures a violation of international law.
- Who
- Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, the Cuban government and the United States.
- What
- Cuba said there are no negotiations or planned talks with the United States amid continuing sanctions and an alleged oil blockade.
- When
- Rodriguez made the comments on Monday, September 7; the report says the damages occurred in 2025 and could increase in early 2026.
- Where
- At a press conference in Havana, Cuba.
- Why
- Cuba says the U.S. restrictions are causing severe economic, energy and humanitarian harm; the United States says sanctions are intended to pressure Cuba’s government to change.
Cuban Government and Critics
United States Government
Purpose and effects of sanctions
Cuban Government and Critics
Cuba calls the restrictions a “genocidal” blockade and says they punish ordinary people through economic damage, blackouts, food spoilage and difficult living conditions.
United States Government
The United States says the sanctions are necessary to force changes from Cuba’s government, which it accuses of limiting economic and human rights.
International legality
Cuban Government and Critics
Cuba and United Nations experts describe the sanctions and energy measures as harmful and contrary to international law.
United States Government
The United States has defended the restrictions as a tool for addressing what it regards as national-security, economic and human-rights concerns involving the Cuban government.
Diplomatic engagement
Cuban Government and Critics
Cuba says there are no negotiations or planned agendas with Washington, although it remains willing to stay in contact.
United States Government
The State Department did not immediately respond to the foreign minister’s latest remarks.
- Reported 2025 damages
- $8.1 billion, according to Cuba’s foreign minister
- Year-over-year increase
- 7% compared with the previous year
- Diplomatic status
- Cuba says there are no current negotiations or planned agendas with the United States
- Reported energy impact
- An oil blockade allegedly reduced output and contributed to nationwide blackouts
- Electricity conditions
- Rodriguez said some residents receive only two or three hours of electricity daily or less
- United Nations assessment
- U.N. experts warned of growing disease-outbreak risks and called the sanctions and energy siege a violation of international law
- U.S. position
- The United States says sanctions are necessary to pressure Cuba’s communist-run government over economic and human-rights concerns